Dr Simon Zwelibanzi Mbokazi is a veteran of the South African education landscape, having retired in 2011 after completing his term as the Superintendent-General for Education for KwaZulu Natal Province and concluding a highly successful career spanning a total of 43 years.

Dr Mbokazi was born in Ngoje in KwaZulu Natal 1949 and has been a committed educationalist from the outset. After having matriculated with a first class pass in 1968, Dr Mbokazi decided to pursue a career in education. Initially earning his tertiary education qualification in 1970 from Eshowe Teacher Training College, Dr Mbokazi went on to complete further studies, earning a number of degrees and honors, including his BA (UNISA, 1974), BA (Hons) from UNISA in 1974, Masters (UNISA, 1980) and ultimately earning his PhD from Natal University in 1990.

Dr Mbokazi has enjoyed a distinguished teaching career, initially as a Senior Teacher at Bhekuzulu College (1971 to 1975) after which time he joined the University of Zululand in the capacity Technical Director and Lecturer (1976 to 1982) and finally the Esikhawini College of Education from 1983 to 1993, initially in the capacity Technical Assistant and Lecturer, and ultimately holding the positions of Vice-Rector and Rector. 

In 1993 he joined the KwaZulu Natal Department of Education in the capacity of Chief Director: Colleges of Education, a position which he held until 1999. During his tenure with the Department, Dr Mbokazi held numerous senior management and executive positions, including Acting Chief Director and Chief Director for the Department, Chief Director: Education Support Services, Acting Deputy Director-General and Deputy Director-General (Senior General Manager) and Superintendent General.

During his time in the KwaZulu Natal Department of Education Dr Mbokazi was often called upon to stand in, and where required, to make decisions for the MEC and the Director-General. In addition to this Dr Mbokazi is also a widely sought after subject expert and public speaker,  having been invited to address audiences both locally and internationally at a myriad of education conferences and academic gatherings in his professional capacity as an expert.

Dr Mbokazi is passionate about nation building and community and education development and has served these twin passions by being an active member of the Board of Childline (KZN) Chairman of the KwaZulu Natal Bible Society and Chairman of the Wesleyan Regional Board – all of this in addition to his continuing assistance to the KwaZulu Natal Education Department.  

Dr Mbokazi will join with a diverse and equally well qualified and experienced group of thought leaders and practioner in providing mentorship and guidance to the organisation’s Board and management team. In his capacity as Non-Executive Director of the Board of Kommunity Group Projects Foundation Dr Mbokazi will be able to contribute and guide the Board with his vast experience and education expertise, which in turn will serve to guide and accelerate both the impact and quality of the Foundation’s programmes and products, offered by the organisation to its donors and beneficiaries.